TRATTORIA SORA LELLA – Sull’ Isola Tiberina

In the 1940s, a fascinating story began: that of a woman and her family who, driven by necessity and later by culinary mastery, represented the authenticity of Roman cuisine.
Beyond the refinement of flavors and aromas, what distinguishes them is the commitment to researching and preparing ingredients, combined with the warm welcome extended to customers and the authentic relationship with the city and beyond.
Always close to the Roman public and to adventurers who wish to savor “true Roman cuisine”.
Sora Lella, before becoming a memorable character in some films by Carlo Verdone (Bianco, Rosso e Verdone and Acqua e Sapone) and being the sister of the immortal Aldo Fabrizi, was an exquisite cook, to whom her husband dedicated the trattoria on Isola Tiberina in 1959.
Located between the Ghetto and the Trastevere district, the establishment was initially not well-received by Mrs. Elena, as it was situated in a less frequented area at the end of the 1950s.
A genuine and popular character – she was exactly as she appears in Verdone’s films, who fell in love with her after hearing her talk about Roman housewives on the radio – Sora Lella was skilled in Roman cuisine and particularly in preparing the “quinto quarto.”
Her husband, Renato Trabalza, before starting his own business and opening the trattoria, worked at the slaughterhouse in Testaccio, from where he brought home cuts of meat for the family.
Naturally, the less prized ones, particularly the offal.
And since 1959, the whole family has been involved in the project, including their son Aldo Trabalza, who everyone called Amleto, an artist like Uncle Aldo Fabrizi and like his mother Lella, who won a David di Donatello and a Nastro D’Argento and whom we saw acting in I Tartassati with Totò and Brother Aldo, I Soliti Ignoti and C’eravamo tanto amati by Scola.
Today, Trattoria Sora Lella is managed by the four children of Aldo Trabalza, grandchildren of Sora Lella.

Renato, who takes care of the kitchen and is the executive chef. Mauro, the eldest, who takes care of the dining room. Elena and Simone, twins, who are responsible for managing reservations and initial reception respectively.
The genuine, straightforwardly popular character with a focus on traditional Roman cuisine has been preserved, so much so that, as mentioned earlier, some of the establishment’s historic dishes are permanently or seasonally included in the menu.

Visit the website: trattoriasoralella.it